AN: Last chapter. There's a bit of comic-crossover in this chapter with the mentioning of Juliana.

Chapter 12

I stepped out of the bathroom as I pulled the shirt over my chest and stomach. John stood in the living room waiting for me. It seemed Piotr had returned to his room. I approached my lover slowly for I was a bit wary of his lust streak.

"You have got to stop giving me clothes when we meet up," I told him.

"But I like seeing you in my clothes," he protested, curling an arm around my waist.

"I know, but Bobby's not always as oblivious as he seems."

He sighed, "They're going to figure it out eventually."

I stiffened involuntarily before forcing myself to relax. I lifted my eyes so I could see him squarely. "I know."

He ran his hand around my back in a soothing manner. "It'll be ok, Berto. I can take- It won't be- We'll be fine."

I kissed him lightly to get him to shut up. He was trying to tell me that it wouldn't be like last time and that he could take care of himself, without mentioning Juliana. I dropped my head onto his shoulder.

"Fuck, Berto, I-"

I cut him off quietly, "It's ok"- and it really was. The incident with Juliana had caused a lot of problems, but I had moved on now. John had shown me how to move on. I took another moment to inhale his scent: nameless soap covering smoke and cloves. I raised my head and looked into his eyes.

"I didn't mean-"

"I know." I dragged a finger across his cheekbone.

He turned into my touch. "You need to go. You're supposed to meet Ray in less than five minutes."

My surprise must've been evident, because he was grinning like the madman he truly was. I muttered, "Sneaky son of a-"

I squeaked as he covered my lips with his own. He pulled back with a self-satisfied smirk. I rolled my eyes in mock exasperation and moved out of his grip to find my sneakers.

"So did you and the professor talk about us?" I pressed as I located one shoe by the couch.

"No." I glanced up to see him lean against the bar. "I think he wants to talk to you about it."

"Anyone would know my opinion on us," I told him, tying the shoe.

I missed his smile. "I'm sure Xavier knows where I stand too."

I straightened up to track down my left shoe. John cocked his head toward his room. I gazed over there and spotted it in the doorway. I snorted, wondering how it had gotten there. He just smirked.

"I'm just not sure about the other X-men," I admitted, retrieving and donning my shoe.

"I know, kid, but maybe they'll understand once they know the whole situation..."

"Maybe," I answered, dubiously. I didn't believe the word even as I said it, so I was sure he didn't either. He knew me way too well.

"Don't worry about it until after you talk to Xavier."

"And go to the infirmary," I added, automatically.

He chuckled, "You're so adorable."

I snorted, "I knew there was a reason you loved me."

A knock on the adjoining door broke the mood. The door opened slowly, revealing a cautious Remy. "All clear?"

I grinned, "Yeah."

"Good," he returned. "John, 'm 'eading out now."

"OK, I'll send him in a minute."

Remy nodded. I watched the exchange with confusion and a touch of incompetence. Remy turned around and left just as quickly. I turned to my lover accusingly. He held up his hands in defense.

"Remy's just going to follow you to make sure nothing happens to you two."

I felt an air of vulnerability creep into me at the protection. "But..."

"I just want to know you're safe," he reassured me.

I approached him and enveloped him into a loose hug. "I'm sure we'll be fine, but if it'll make you feel better, I'll go along."

"As if you could stop me," he joked. Actually he could deny me very little.

I leaned up and kissed him again. This time it was a goodbye, but neither of us would admit it. He portrayed as much affection as he could. I curled my hand in the back of his hair to pull him closer. Liquid heat and nostalgia mixed in veins for a dangerous combination. John pulled away gently, watching carefully for my reaction.

"So I'll be back next weekend unless you drop me a line otherwise?"

He nodded, "Definitely."

We moved to the door rather easily. I clutched one of his hands almost desperately. I didn't want to go, but I didn't want to make this any harder than it had to be. I watched him gather himself before he spoke again.

"Do yourself a favor this week," he told me.

"How?"

"Call your brother."

I smiled. "Only if you track down Sara."

His grin matched mine. Our separation was all ready hurting me and we were still here. He leaned in and kissed my cheek softly. I fumbled with the doorknob as our hands fell apart.

"Be good," he whispered, downtrodden. "Stay safe."

I nodded numbly as words escaped me. I pushed the door open and stepped back into the world, back to reality. It would all sink in later, but for now I was just numb. I cast a small smile at my lover before I softly closed the door again. A pain-riddled sigh fled from both sides of the door. I took a moment to gather my wits before I set off to find Ray. The grey sky did little to lighten my mood.

I met Ray in the designated place. He seemed to be in as good of health as I was. The Morlocks were full of surprises. He hugged me briefly before we continued to the Institute. I couldn't see Remy, but I knew he was watching out for us. I was grateful for that. I could feel panic attempting to overwhelm me even though I knew I was rather safe.

We stopped at the gate to the Institute. Ray pushed the buzzer.

"Who is it?" came Logan's voice.

"Are you missing any team members?" I asked nonchalantly. Ray looked at me in shock.

"Could be," Logan returned. "Know anyone looking to fill the spaces?"

"Let me ask my associate," I answered, turning to Ray.

He just shook his head at me. Logan grumbled something before the box went dead. Ray looked at me with wide eyes. I scratched my head in confusion and shrugged at Ray. Then the box came back on.

"Turns out I have to let you in," Logan informed us.

I snorted, "As if you didn't know."

I released the button on the box as the gate buzzed open. Ray pushed it open, leading the way. I followed him. Part of me was excited to be back home, but another part of me felt that this place wasn't a home without John.

"So when did you and Logan get so chummy?" Ray asked as we approached the door.

I shrugged, "It just kinda happened."

Logan pushed the front door open, holding it so Ray and I could go inside.

"Blue wants to check you both over," he informed us. "Olive, Charles is waitin' for you in his office."

I nodded my thanks, but Logan wasn't paying attention. He was staring over my shoulder into the distance, conveying his thanks to Remy. I turned to look behind me but didn't see the Cajun. All my worries disappeared as I saw that the sun had finally come out.

END